'Snakewood' definitions:

Definition of 'snakewood'

noun

East Indian climbing shrub with twisted limbs and roots resembling serpents [syn: snakewood, Rauwolfia serpentina]

From: GCIDE

Snakewood \Snake"wood`\, n. (Bot.) (a) An East Indian climbing plant (Strychnos colubrina) having a bitter taste, and supposed to be a remedy for the bite of the hooded serpent. (b) An East Indian climbing shrub (Ophioxylon serpentinum) which has the roots and stems twisted so as to resemble serpents. (c) Same as Trumpetwood. (d) A tropical American shrub (Plumieria rubra) which has very fragrant red blossoms. (e) Same as Letterwood. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Trumpetwood \Trump"et*wood`\, n. (Bot.) A tropical American tree (Cecropia peltata) of the Breadfruit family, having hollow stems, which are used for wind instruments; -- called also snakewood, and {trumpet tree}. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Letterwood \Let"ter*wood`\ (-w[oo^]d`), n. (Bot.) The beautiful and highly elastic wood of a tree of the genus Brosimum (Brosimum Aubletii), found in Guiana; -- so called from black spots in it which bear some resemblance to hieroglyphics; also called snakewood, and leopardwood. It is much used for bows and for walking sticks. [1913 Webster]